GABRIEL Learning Centre operations manager Christopher heard that a toilet block being used by some of the school’s families was in need of repair, so he put a group of Perth volunteers to the task.
The first stop for the group, including Mark O’Brien and school owner Susan Saleeba, was a hardware stall in the Kaptembwa slums to buy tin, nail, hammers and timber for $50 (5000 shillings).
By the time the group approached the toilet block among a cornfield, several groups of locals had followed, curious about what the mzungus (white people) were doing.
The volunteers worked over three days to replace the tin on the roof and sides of the block, built mud walls between each stall and cleaned out each space after the fundi (tradesman) had laid the concrete.
Mr O’Brien said repairing the toilet block was a highlight during his three weeks in Nakuru, Kenya.
The former maths teacher said the volunteering experience appealed to him because of his background in teaching, it was a challenge and he had studied Buddhism for the past six years.
Mr O’Brien was able to put many of his practical skills to use at the centre.
- The journalist travelled courtesy of the Travel Directors in West Leederville.
Call 9242 4200 or visit www.traveldirectors. com.au